The debate concerning homosexuality is finally working through the layers of taboo that cover Christian campuses and finding its way into conversation. HU Queer Press caused a stir on Harding’s campus last year with an unwelcome website. Last week a group of ACU students and recent alums published an online zine, Voiceless, that addresses the topic maturely. And it’s about time we start this conversation.
Society has been talking about homosexuality for decades, and it is becoming more accepted in society at large. Eight states allow gay marriage, and others allow civil unions between same-sex couples. The FOX dramedy, Glee, addresses the intolerance gay teens face, while an ABC comedy, Modern Family, depicts a gay couple raising a child and being perfectly happy and accepted by their family.
This puts Christians who believe homosexuality is a sin in a situation where they have to address this issue more than in the past. When society pushes the issue of homosexuality under the rug it makes it easier for Christians to follow suit. But now that more of the population accepts it, Christians have to study the issue more thoroughly and be willing to voice and defend their beliefs.
Though many conflicting opinions exist among Christians, it is good that we are forced to talk about it. It is often an uncomfortable conversation to have, but pushing the topic away invites people to assume Christians reject people experiencing same-sex attraction. We have to open the conversation and allow all ideas to be expressed.
As an institution that aims to prepare students for Christian service and leadership, ACU needs to be a place where students and faculty can talk about homosexuality, political policies surrounding it, and even openly address their same-sex attraction maturely and without fear. A complete conversation on the issue cannot exist if students and faculty who deal with the issue first hand cannot talk about it.
The university has been good about being receptive to people who want to talk about the issue on campus. SoulForce’s visits to campus prove that. But we need to initiate the conversations, and when others start the conversation we need to add our voice.
Voiceless opens this conversation, and the university didn’t block it. The well-reasoned publication presents different reactions to the LGBTQ issue in an open-minded manner. This is a great start to the conversation. And we hope that soon, the individuals writing material for this zine will not feel they need to hide their identities.
